Mannie Fresh & Birdman Will Reunite The Big Tymers 20 Years In To Show They’re Still Fly

Years before Mannie Fresh and Birdman became household names to Rap music fans, they were simply the Big Tymers. Cash Money Records’ co-founder followed in the steps of Puff Daddy, Jermaine Dupri, and Master P when he formed a group with his label’s stalwart producer. Baby and Mannie released five albums between 1997 and 2001, the first meteoric rise of the Cash Money Millionaires. 2002’s Hood Rich would go to #1 on the charts, with “Still Fly” flirting close to Top 10 single status.

However, that pinnacle of success would be short-lived. Mannie Fresh exited the label in the early 2000s, citing financial disputes during renegotiation. Fresh would sign with Def Jam, taking his sound with him. Juvenile, B.G., Turk, Mack 10, TQ, and other label acts soon followed, with Lil Wayne also stating he was considering exiting.

While Wayne would ultimately stay, the Big Tymers gave way to Birdman’s solo career. His highest charting solo LP, 2005’s Fast Money, featured one Mannie production. While the rapper formerly known as Baby partnered with Wayne and Rich Gang on albums, Mannie released two solo LPs—one at Def Jam, and one independently.